Resource installation management in a wireless network

ABSTRACT

A graphical user interface displays a proposed site plan of one or more new base stations with respect to existing network infrastructure in a geographical region. While in the field, an installation specialist can perform an in-person survey of the geographical region to determine whether a proposed location is suitable for installation of a wireless base station. The installation specialist may identify an obstacle that would inhibit a newly proposed wireless base station from providing desired coverage if installed at the proposed location. Via input to the graphical user interface, the installation specialist proposes an alternative location in which to install the new base station. A processor performs a validity check and provides feedback indicating whether installation of the new base station at the alternative location is acceptable. The graphical user interface also can support collection of site survey data to monitor progress of the installation.

This application is a continuation of earlier filed U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/281,308 entitled “Resource InstallationManagement in a Wireless Network,” filed on Oct. 25, 2011, the entireteachings of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional RF (Radio Frequency) technology has been used for manyyears to connect wireless devices such as phones, laptops, etc., to alandline network and other wireless networks. Today, such networkssupport many different types of connection services such as voicecommunications, high-speed data services, WI-FI connectivity, and so on.

Conventional cellular networks typically include a land area that hasbeen divided into so-called cellular regions. A single base stationtypically resides in each cell. Often, the base station is connected toa landline network and supports communication with one or more wirelesssubscribers operating in a region covered by the cell. Accordingly, awireless subscriber operating a cell phone in the cell is able tocommunicate with or have access to a landline network via a wirelesslink between the subscriber and a base station.

Conventional long-range cellular networks sometimes do not have theability to provide connectivity to users at every location in ageographical region. One reason for this shortcoming is the high costassociated with designing and subsequently implementing a long-rangecell tower for every portion of a geographical region. In manyinstances, a cell tower providing long-range coverage requires along-term financial commitment. In certain instances, because costs areso high, a service provider may not even install a cell tower because itis not a good investment.

More recent wireless technology includes so-called pico base stations orwi-fi stations having the ability to provide short-range coveragecompared to long-range coverage provided by conventional cell towers.The short-range base stations have the ability to provide coverage inlocations that were not previously possible. As an example, a pico basestation may provide radial coverage on the order of 200-300 meters. Along-range base station or conventional cell tower may provide wirelesscoverage on the order of a mile or more. Because of cost concerns andhigher re-usage of frequencies in the RF spectrum, it is now becomingmore common to implement one or more pico base stations to provideadditional wireless coverage in a region. Small cell base stationdeployment may increase the number of cells in a given area, andthereby, improve the overall network capacity without adding more RFspectrums. In certain cases, a short-range base station can be mountedto existing infrastructure (e.g., a cable), alleviating the costsassociated with having to design and erect a dedicated tower.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Conventional techniques for installing wireless communication systemssuffer from a number of deficiencies, especially small cell networkinstallations. For example, installation of conventional communicationsystems including one or more wireless base station typically requires adetailed system analysis to determine how many wireless base stationswill be needed to support desired coverage in a geographical region.Because there are so many parameters to consider, the analysis may bequite complex and time-consuming. Based on the analysis, a designercreates a so-called site plan. The site plan indicates, based on a bestguess, where to install each of multiple wireless base stations in orderto provide the desired wireless coverage in an area.

There are often cases in which the initial site plan must be modified asa result of unexpected obstacles discovered in the field. It is not thedesigner's fault since the designer creating the site plan typically isnot aware of the obstacles during the design.

For example, an installation specialist may learn in the field thatinstallation of one or more wireless base stations in accordance withthe proposed site may not be feasible because one or more RF-blockingobstacles may be in the way. Even if a wireless base station can beinstalled in a proposed location, it is possible that an object such asa tree may obstruct an RF path between the wireless base station and oneor more target users in a geographical region.

According to conventional techniques, in such an instance, the installerwould notify the designer back in a main office of the issues associatedwith installation. The designer would then be required to modify thesite plan to account for one or more obstructions or installation issuesthat arise in the field. The designer would typically be required to runheavy computations again, taking into account the obstacles andpotentially other input, to determine whether an alternative site is anacceptable location in which to alternatively install the wireless basestation and provide the desired coverage. On completion, the designerforwards the modified site plan to the installation specialist.

Upon receipt of the updated site plan, the installer is then able toinstall the wireless base stations in the appropriate locations asspecified by the designer. In certain cases, the installation specialistmay discover yet more obstacles that are not known to the designer. Insuch an instance, the installation specialist then forwards the newobstacle information to the designer. This back and forth processbetween the installation specialist and the designer is typically costlyand time-consuming because an installation may require many iterationsof notifying the designer in the office of installation issues.

Embodiments herein deviate with respect to conventional applications.For example, embodiments herein are directed to unique ways offacilitating installation of one or more resources such as wireless basestations in a wireless network environment. In one embodiment, aninstallation specialist utilizes a portable installation management toolto more quickly and efficiently install one or more wireless basestation in a communication network. Additionally, in another embodiment,the portable computer executing the installation manager collects fieldinformation and forwards the information to a central repository thatkeeps track of a deployment status of a wireless network site planincluding one or more base stations.

The portable computer executing the installation manager may enable theinstallation specialist to more quickly resolve installation issues. Forexample, in one embodiment, the portable installation management toolsupports in the field computations enabling a respective installationspecialist to more quickly determine valid, alternative locations inwhich one or more base stations can be installed.

More specifically, in accordance with one embodiment, an installationspecialist executes an installation manager on a computer device. Theinstallation manager is configured to control and display a graphicaluser interface. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface displaysa proposed site plan on a display screen of the computer device. Theproposed site plan displayed on the display screen specifies: i) aproposed location to install a wireless base station in a correspondinggeographical region, and ii) a prediction of wireless coverage providedby the wireless base station in the proposed location. Accordingly, theinstallation specialist is apprised of at least an approximate locationor acceptable areas in which to install a wireless base station in ageographical region.

While in the field, the installation manager can perform an in-personsurvey of the geographical region to determine whether the proposedlocation or areas are suitable for installation of the wireless basestation. Assume, in this example, during installation, that theinstallation specialist identifies an RF-blocking or RF-interferingobstacle such as an object that would inhibit the wireless base stationfrom providing the predicted coverage if installed at the proposedlocation in the site plan. In other words, assume that the installationtechnician in the field identifies that installation of the wirelessbase station in the proposed location will not provide the desired orexpected coverage as specified in the proposed site plan. Theinstallation of the wireless base station at the proposed location maybe impracticable due to, for example, presence of the obstacle in avicinity of the proposed location.

In accordance with further embodiments, to facilitate installation, theinstallation manager in the portable computer overlays a map of existingresources in a network infrastructure onto the proposed site plan (orvise versa) for simultaneous viewing of both the network infrastructureand the proposed site plan on a respective display screen. The networkinfrastructure indicates a location of and availability of resources inwhich to mount the one or more wireless base stations as specified bythe proposed site plan.

As specified by the proposed site plan, for each new wireless basestation to be added to the network, the graphical user interfaceprovides an indication of a respective location of a resource orresources in the network infrastructure in which to attach the wirelessbase station at the proposed location. Accordingly, via the graphicaluser interface, the installation specialist is able to easily identifyproposed locations in which each of the new wireless base stations is tobe installed or mounted with respect to existing network infrastructure.

During the installation, the installation specialist can provide inputto the installation manager application executed on the computer. In oneembodiment, by way of a non-limiting example, the input can be feedbackfrom the installation technician viewing the display screen. Theinstallation technical performs an in-person survey of the proposedlocation. In such an instance, to avoid one or more identifiedobstacles, impediments, etc., in the geographical region, theinstallation specialist (or other suitable resource such as theinstallation manager executing on the computer) can propose installingthe wireless base station at an alternative location in the geographicalregion rather than at the originally proposed location as specified bythe proposed site plan.

In one embodiment, the installation manager executed on the computerdevice receives input proposing installation of the wireless basestation in the alternative location with respect to the initiallyproposed location. For example, in one embodiment, the installationspecialist can mark a location on the display screen indicating analternative location in which to potentially install the wireless basestation. In response to receiving the input, the installation managerthen updates the graphical user interface on the display screen todisplay an updated proposed site plan. In one embodiment, theinstallation manager initiates execution of a respective algorithm todetermine whether the alternative site proposed by the installationspecialist is acceptable. The installation manager then displays theupdated site plan.

In yet further embodiments, the updated site plan can specify: i) thealternative location in the geographical region, and ii) a prediction ofwireless coverage provided by the wireless base station in thealternative location. Accordingly, based on guidance provided by thegraphical user interface, an installation specialist in the field caneasily determine whether an alternative location (as provided by ainstallation specialist or other resource) is suitable for installationof the wireless base station in the alternative location.

The installation specialist can view specific details of networkinfrastructure resources available at multiple possible alternativelocations in the geographical region and decide, based on availableresources, which of the possible locations is suitable for installationof the wireless base station.

In accordance with further embodiments, the graphical user interface caninitiate display of a visual indication on the display screen toindicate whether the alternative location in the network infrastructureis a valid option to operate the wireless base station. By way of anon-limiting example, the visual indication can be a text messageindicating that the alternative location, as proposed by theinstallation specialist in the field, is a valid location in which toinstall the wireless base station.

The graphical user interface is thus an installation guide used by theinstallation specialist.

It is possible that the installation of the wireless base station at thealternative location will not provide the same wireless coverage as theoriginally predicted wireless coverage if the wireless base station wereinstalled at the originally proposed location. In such an instance, theupdated display screen can indicate the difference in coverage betweencoverage provided by installation of the wireless base station at theoriginally proposed location and installation of the wireless basestation at the alternative location. Accordingly, the installationspecialist can identify a difference in the wireless coverage dependingon where the base station is installed.

The installation specialist can view the display screen to identify oneor more null regions in which neither the wireless base station at thealternative location nor do any other resources in the network providewireless coverage as anticipated by installing the wireless base stationat the originally proposed location.

The installation manager application as discussed herein can beconfigured to provide a visual indication of one or more resources (suchas a house, building, etc.) in the vicinity of the proposed locationthat must have access to the RF service provided by the newly installedbase station. Accordingly, the installation specialist can determine amost suitable alternative location for installing the base stationassuming that installation of the base station in the originallyproposed location is impracticable. Displaying coverage from the basestation in the alternative location enables the installation specialistto determine whether the location is suitable for providing coverage tothe house, building, etc.

In one embodiment, to view a difference in coverage between the coverageexpected by installing the wireless base station at the proposedlocation and the alternative location, embodiments herein can includeinitiating simultaneous display of the prediction of wireless coverageprovided by the wireless base station in the alternative location withrespect to the prediction of wireless coverage provided by the wirelessbase station in the originally proposed location. Accordingly, aninstallation specialist can easily identify whether installation of thewireless base station in the alternative location would be an acceptablesolution to avoiding the obstacle and providing appropriate wirelesscoverage.

In further embodiments, the graphical user interface can be configuredto display coverage provided by different types of base stations. Forexample, the graphical user interface can display coverage provided bylong-range base stations, short-range base stations, etc. The graphicaluser interface can provide a visual indication of a portion of thegeographical region having no wireless coverage by any base station as aresult of installing the wireless base station in the alternativelocation instead of the proposed location. Accordingly, the installationspecialist can identify whether a respective wireless network (otherthan the new base station) will provide wireless coverage to aparticular coordinate of interest such as a building, household, etc.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, the graphical user interfacecan be configured to initiate display of an overlay indicating wirelesscoverage provided by a set of one or more long-range base stationsoperated by a wireless network service provider in the geographicalregion. The wireless base station as specified by a site plan can be ashort-range base station to fill in dead zones between the long-rangebase stations. Additionally, small cell base stations (e.g., short-rangebase stations) can also be deployed to address wireless carrierscapacity problems. For example, small cell base stations can be deployedinto existing coverage areas to boost wireless capacity in therespective area. The graphical user interface as discussed herein can beconfigured to provide a visual indication of the prediction of wirelesscoverage provided by the wireless base station at the proposed locationin relation to coverage provided by the one or more long-range basestations operated by network service provider.

Via input form a source such as the installation specialist, theinstallation manager application can be apprised of a locationinformation indicating a location of at least one obstacle in a vicinityof the proposed location. For example, the technician installing thewireless base station can provide the information about the obstaclebased on an in-person survey of the proposed location. The obstacle canbe a tree, building, etc., that unexpectedly blocks or generally affectsthe RF coverage provided by the new base station.

In one embodiment, based on one or more identified obstacles in aregion, the graphical user interface and respective installation managertool can be configured to generate a realistic RF coverage pattern in aregion taking into account presence of one or more newly identifiedobstacles in a region.

For example, a user can input (to the graphical user interface) detailsof one or more obstacles as identified in an in-person field survey. Aprocessing resource associated with the graphical user interfacecomputes the actual coverage of the base station in a region taking intoaccount the newly identified obstacles. More specifically, in oneembodiment, the graphical user interface displays the computed actualcoverage of the base station taking into account blockage, interference,etc., that is theoretically caused by the newly identified objects,environmental conditions, etc., that have an affect on the wirelesscoverage provided by the base station. Display of the computed RFcoverage, taking into account reflections, interference, etc., of theobstacles, alleviates the user from having to guess in the field as towhat affect the one or more obstacles will have on RF coverage. Instead,the processing resource produces a more accurate theoretical predictionof RF coverage for viewing by the user.

The installation manager application can be configured to performcalculations to independently determine, while taking into account oneor more obstacles identified by the installation specialist, alternativelocations in which to install one or more wireless base stations indifferent locations in the geographical region. The graphical userinterface displays the alternative locations on the display screen forviewing by the installation specialist. Accordingly, the installationspecialist can be apprised of suitable alternative locations in which toinstall one or more base stations to avoid the obstacles. Thus, thecomputer can perform the complex processing to determine whether a siteproposed by the installation specialist is acceptable.

By way of a further non-limiting example, the installation managerapplication as discussed herein can facilitate identification of analternative location in which to install a respective one or more basestations. For example, in one embodiment, the installation managerapplication can receive a command applied to the wireless base stationin the proposed site plan displayed on the display screen. The commandcan indicate the desire, by the installation specialist, for theinstallation manager application to identify one or more alternativelocations in which to mount the wireless base station.

In response to receiving the command, the installation managerapplication identifies resources required to operate the wireless basestation according to a predetermined performance level. For example, thewireless base station may be required to support a certain databandwidth, the wireless base station may consume a certain amount ofpower, etc. The installation manager can have access to informationindicating the ability of different locations of the networkinfrastructure that provide appropriate data bandwidth, poweravailability, etc. Based on this information, the installation manager(and/or processing functionality at a remote location with respect tothe portable device operated by the installation specialist) processesthe information to identify alternative locations of the networkinfrastructure in a vicinity of the proposed location that have anability to support the wireless base station in accordance with therequired resources.

The installation manager application then updates the graphical userinterface to provide a visual indication specifying one or moreacceptable alternative locations of the network infrastructure havingthe ability to support wireless base station in accordance with theoperational parameters.

By further way of a non-limiting example, the visual indication ofalternatively locations to which the wireless base station can bemounted can represent a continuum of a physical cable resource of thenetwork infrastructure. The installation specialist can selectivelymount the wireless base station to any point on the continuum.

In one embodiment, the continuum of the physical cable resource caninclude a communication link on which to convey data to and from thewireless base station. A power supply resource in the continuum of thephysical cable resource can be tapped to provide power to the wirelessbase station when so mounted.

In accordance with yet further embodiments, the user of the portablecomputer device executing the installation manager can perform anoperation such as dragging and dropping a symbol of a selected basestation on the display screen to a new location. In response to thisinput (or other type of selection), the installation manager applicationidentifies operational parameters (e.g., required power, required databandwidth, etc.) associated with the wireless base station. Based on theoperational parameters, the installation manager application performs ananalysis to determine whether installation of the wireless base stationat a candidate alternative location with respect to the networkinfrastructure has the ability to support operation of the wireless basestation in accordance with the operational parameters.

Accordingly, the installation specialist can propose a new location inwhich to install a wireless base station. Based on calculations andknowledge of the network infrastructure resources available at the newlocation, the installation manager application makes a determination ofwhether the alternative location can support the wireless base stationand provide required performance. Accordingly, the installationspecialist can propose the alternative location in which to install thebase station; the installation manager executing on the computerprovides feedback indicating whether appropriate resources are availableto support the performance required by the base station.

These and other more specific embodiments are disclosed in more detailbelow.

Note that embodiments herein can include a configuration of one or morecomputerized devices, servers, base stations, wireless communicationequipment, communication management systems, workstations, handheld orlaptop computers, or the like to carry out and/or support any or all ofthe method operations disclosed herein. In other words, one or morecomputerized devices or processors can be programmed and/or configuredto operate as explained herein to carry out different embodiments of theinvention.

Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to perform thesteps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. Onesuch embodiment comprises a computer program product including anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any computerreadable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions areencoded for subsequent execution. The instructions, when executed in acomputerized device having a processor, program and/or cause theprocessor to perform the operations disclosed herein. Such arrangementsare typically provided as software, code, instructions, and/or otherdata (e.g., data structures) arranged or encoded on a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium such as an optical medium (e.g.,CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick, etc., or other a mediumsuch as firmware or shortcode in one or more ROM, RAM, PROM, etc., or asan Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc. The software orfirmware or other such configurations can be installed onto acomputerized device to cause the computerized device to perform thetechniques explained herein.

Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method, system,computer program product, etc., that supports operations as discussedherein.

For example, one embodiment includes a computer readable storage mediumor computer readable hardware medium having instructions stored thereonto facilitate installation of one or more base stations in a wirelessnetwork environment; the instructions, when executed by a processor of arespective computer device, cause the processor or multiple processorsto: initiate display of a proposed site plan on a display screen, theproposed site plan specifying: i) a proposed location to install awireless base station in a geographical region, and ii) a prediction ofwireless coverage provided by the wireless base station in the proposedlocation; during installation of the wireless base station, receivinginput proposing installation of the wireless base station in analternative location with respect to the proposed location; and inresponse to receiving the input, updating the proposed site plan on thedisplay screen, the updated proposed site plan specifying: i) thealternative location in the geographical region, and ii) a prediction ofwireless coverage provided by the wireless base station in thealternative location.

Yet another embodiments herein includes a computer readable storagemedium having instructions stored thereon to facilitate installation ofone or more base stations in a wireless network environment. Theinstructions, when executed by a processor of a respective computerdevice, cause the processor or multiple processors to: initiate displayof a network infrastructure on a display screen; on the display screen,overlay a display of a proposed wireless network site plan with respectto the network infrastructure, the proposed wireless network site planspecifying a proposed location in which to install a wireless basestation; provide an indication of a location of at least one resource inthe network infrastructure in which to mount the wireless base stationto provide a desired wireless coverage; from a user installing thewireless base station, receive input proposing installation of thewireless base station at an alternative location with respect to theproposed location; and update a deployment status of the proposed siteplan on the display screen to indicate installation of the wireless basestation at the alternative location.

Yet another embodiments herein includes a computer readable storagemedium having instructions stored thereon to facilitate installation ofone or more base stations in a wireless network environment. Theinstructions, when executed by a processor of a respective computerdevice, cause the processor or multiple processors to: initiate displayof a proposed site plan on a display screen, the proposed site planspecifying a proposed location to install a wireless base station in ageographical region; during physical installation of the wireless basestation in the geographical region, receive input with respect to theproposed site plan on the display screen, the input indicating apresence and location of at least one obstacle in the geographicalregion in a vicinity of the proposed location; in response to receivingthe input, identify an alternative location in which to install thewireless base station; update the proposed site plan on the displayscreen, the updated proposed site plan specifying: i) the alternativelocation in the geographical region, and ii) a prediction of wirelesscoverage provided by the wireless base station in the alternativelocation.

The ordering of the steps above has been added for clarity sake. Thesesteps can be performed in any suitable order.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programsand/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodiment stepsand operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructionson computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also canbe embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid ofsoftware, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as withina processor, or within an operating system or a within a softwareapplication.

As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for use inapplications such as installation management of one or more basestations in a wireless network environment. However, it should be notedthat embodiments herein are not limited to use in such applications andthat the techniques discussed herein are well suited for otherapplications as well.

Additionally, note that although each of the different features,techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed in differentplaces of this disclosure, it is intended, where suitable, that each ofthe concepts can optionally be executed independently of each other orin combination with each other. Accordingly, the one or more presentinventions as described herein can be embodied and viewed in manydifferent ways.

Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments hereinpurposefully does not specify every embodiment and/or incrementallynovel aspect of the present disclosure or claimed invention(s). Instead,this brief description only presents general embodiments andcorresponding points of novelty over conventional techniques. Foradditional details and/or possible perspectives (permutations, elements,aspects, etc.) of the invention(s), the reader is directed to thetextual Detailed Description section and corresponding figures of thepresent disclosure as further discussed below. Thus, the followingDetailed Description, in addition to providing an intricate descriptionof details of the invention, also provides a further summary of aspectsof the invention or inventions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.

FIG. 1 is an example diagram of a conventional communication system fordistributing data and providing network access.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating use of an installation managerapplication facilitating installation of one or more wireless basestations according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating a proposed site plan includingmultiple wireless base stations according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating multiple shadings to indicatevarying signal strengths within a wireless coverage zone according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating a graphical user interfacedisplaying coverage provided by a long-range base station relative tomultiple short-range base stations according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is an example diagram illustrating mounting of a wireless basestation to existing network infrastructure according to embodimentsherein.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating display of a networkinfrastructure map according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is an example diagram illustrating display of a networkinfrastructure map on a graphical user interface according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating an overlay of a proposed siteplan with respect to resources in an existing network infrastructure mapaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 10 is an example diagram illustrating a proposed location in whichto mount a wireless base station to an existing network infrastructureaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 11 is an example diagram illustrating a proposed location in whichto mount a wireless base station to an existing network infrastructureaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 12 is an example diagram illustrating display of an alternativelocation in which to mount a wireless base station to existing networkinfrastructure according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 13 is an example diagram illustrating display of acceptablealternative locations in which to mount a wireless base station to anexisting network infrastructure according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating example hardware including a processorand an encoded hardware storage medium to execute according toembodiments herein.

FIGS. 15-17 are flowcharts illustrating example methods according toembodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned above, according to embodiments herein, a graphical userinterface displays an overlay of a proposed site plan of one or more newbase stations with respect to an existing network infrastructure map ina geographical region.

The proposed site plan specifies a location in which to install at leastone new base station. While in the field, using the graphical userinterface as a guide, an installation specialist performs an in-personsurvey of the geographical region and proposed location to determinewhether the proposed location is suitable for installation of the newwireless base station. The installation specialist may identify anobstacle, impediment, etc., that would inhibit coverage provided by thenew base station if installed at the proposed location.

In one embodiment, via input to the graphical user interface, theinstallation specialist proposes an alternative location in which toinstall the new base station. A processor performs a validity check andprovides feedback indicating whether installation of the new basestation at the alternative location as proposed by the installationspecialist is acceptable.

In accordance with further embodiments as discussed herein, thegraphical user interface also can support functions such as collectingsite survey data, monitoring progress of the installation, keeping trackof installation impediments (and corresponding parameters) identified inthe field survey, etc.

More specifically, FIG. 1 is an example diagram of a conventionalcommunication system for distributing data and providing network access.

As shown, the network environment 100 can include a data distributionmanager 170 that facilitates reception and transmission of data overtransport ring 165 to hubs 172 (e.g., hub 172-1, hub 172-2, hub 172-3, .. . ).

In this example, communication link 178 provides connectivity betweenhub 172-2 and node 182. Communication link 178 can be any type of linksuch an optical link, wire link, etc.

Node 182 receives the data transmitted over communication link 178 andforwards the data to consumers 192 through network infrastructure 194.Network infrastructure 194 can include resources such as communicationlinks, amplifiers, power supplies, etc., facilitating distribution ofdata to consumers 192.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating use of an installation managerapplication according to embodiments herein.

As shown, network environment 100 includes network infrastructure 105facilitating distribution of data to one or more subscribers.

By way of a non-limiting example, network infrastructure 105 can includeany suitable type of resource such as power supplies to inject AC powerinto cables, taps, directional couplers providing access to power anddata links, line amplifiers, nodes for backhaul data aggregation,utility poles, fiber links, coaxial links, wireless base stations,overhead resources, underground resources, cabinets, vaults, pedestalsin which to mount one or more base stations, etc.

One embodiment herein includes a computer system 150. The computersystem 150 executes installation manager 140. Installation manager 140facilitates installation of one or more new base stations in networkenvironment 100. For example, in one embodiment, as will be discussedfurther in this specification, the installation manager 140 initiatesdisplay of graphical user interface 145 on display screen 130 ofcomputer system 150.

The user 108, such as an installation specialist, base stationinstallation technician, etc., controls the installation manager 140 viainput through input/output resources 155. Computer system 150 caninclude any type of one or more different types of input/outputresources 155 such as a keypad, computer mouse, touch screen, etc. Viathe input/output resources 155, the user 108 is able to operate andcontrol the installation manager 140.

In one embodiment, as will be discussed later in this specification, theinstallation manager 140 supports functions such as guiding the user 108during installation of one or more base stations with respect to networkinfrastructure 105, collecting of survey data, etc.

The computer system 150 can be any type of client device enablingdisplay of graphical user interface 145 on display screen 130. Forexample, in one embodiment the computer system 150 is a thin client inwhich bulk of processing capability is provided by services in network190. In accordance with another embodiment, the computer system 150 caninclude suitable processing functionality to perform appropriatecalculations at the computer system 150. In accordance with furtherembodiments, a portion of processing associated with installationmanager 140 can be performed locally by computer system 150 whileanother portion of processing associated with installation manager 140can be performed by remote resources in network 190. Computer system 150can be portable such that user 108 is able to freely move around duringinstallation.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating a proposed site plan includinga display of sites at which to install multiple wireless base stationsaccording to embodiments herein.

In this example, the graphical user interface 145-1 includes a displayof site plan 250-1 for installation in geographical region 220.Graphical user interface 145-1 includes a display of landmarks such asstreets, buildings, etc.

Site plan 250-1 in graphical user interface 145-1 includes symbols ofbase stations 110 (e.g., base station 110-1, base station 110-2, basestation 110-3, base station 110-4, base station 110-5, base station110-6, base station 110-7, base station 110-8, base station 110-9, basestation 110-10, base station 110-11, base station 110-12, etc.) toindicate proposed locations of installing respective base stations.

As shown, the base station 110-1 provides predicted wireless coverage111-1; the base station 110-3 provides predicted wireless coverage111-3, the base station 110-9 provides predicted wireless coverage111-9; the base station 110-10 provides predicted wireless coverage111-10; the base station 110-12 provides predicted wireless coverage111-12; and so on.

Accordingly, via display of the graphical user interface 145-1 asdiscussed site plan 250-1, the user 108 is able to identify locations inwhich to install one or more new base stations 110 and their respectivepredicted wireless coverage.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating highlighting to indicatevarying signal strengths within a wireless coverage zone according toembodiments herein.

For example, the predicted strength in a region of wireless coverageweakens further away from a respective base station. In accordance withone embodiment herein, the graphical user interface 145 initiatesdisplay of a resource such as base station 110-1. In one embodiment, thegraphical user interface 145 displays wireless coverage 111-1 asdifferent RF strengths.

As an example, the graphical user interface 145 utilizes a first visualindication (e.g., a first color, shading, etc.) in region 111-1A toindicate a first RF strength associated with wireless coverage 111-1;the graphical user interface 145 utilizes a second visual indication(e.g., a second color, shading, etc.) in region 111-1B to indicate asecond RF strength associated with wireless coverage 111-1; thegraphical user interface 145 utilizes a third visual indication (e.g., afirst color, shading, etc.) in region 111-1C to indicate a third RFstrength associated with wireless coverage 111-1; and so on. The visualindications indicate that the RF strength weakens further away thedistance from the base station 110-1.

Accordingly, an installation specialist viewing graphical user interface145 on display screen 130 can identify a degree of RF coverage providedby each base station.

In one embodiment, each of the wireless coverage 111 areas displayed inthe site plan 250-1 for the respective base stations 110 can bedisplayed in a similar manner such that the use 108 can identify whichportions of a geographical region 220 will provide better RF strengthand which portions of geographical region 220 will provide a weakersignal strength. For regions of overlapping coverage by multiple basestations, the higher signal strength regions take precedent for displayon the display screen 130. In other words, if two base stations provideoverlapping coverage of different strengths, the graphical userinterface 145 displays the highest RF strength for the overlappingregion.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating of a graphical user interfacedisplaying coverage provided by a long-range base station relative tomultiple short-range base stations according to embodiments herein.

The user 108 can provide input to zoom in and zoom out of a particularview of the site plan 250-1 on graphical user interface 145. In thisexample embodiment, the user 108 provides input to installation manager140 to zoom out of a view. The input can be inputted to the installationmanager 140 via any suitable technique such as input from a keyboard,computer mouse, etc.

Subsequent to receiving a zoom out command, the installation manager 140initiates display of a greater portion of the site plan 250-1 ingraphical user interface 145-2. Assume in this example that the basestations 110 are short-range base stations (e.g., pico base stations,WiFi base stations, 802.11 base stations, etc.) providing wirelesscoverage to subscribers. Base station 510-1 such as a long-range basestation provides wireless coverage 511-1 to subscribers in thegeographical area.

Thus, the graphical user interface 145 can be configured to displaywireless coverage provided by different types of base stations (e.g.,long-range base stations, short-range base stations, etc.). For example,the graphical user interface 145-2 can display coverage provided bylong-range base stations, short-range base stations, etc. Long-rangebase stations can include resources cell phone towers. As mentioned,short-range base stations can include resources such as WiFi basestations, pico-cells, etc.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, the graphical user interface145 can be configured to initiate display of an overlay indicatingwireless coverage provided by a set of one or more long-range basestations (such as base station 510-1) operated by a wireless networkservice provider in the geographical region. In one embodiment, thewireless base stations 110 as specified by the site plan 250-1 can beshort-range base stations to fill in dead zones in a vicinity of one ormore long-range base stations.

Thus, via the graphical user interface 145-2, the user 108 is able toidentify regions in which the base stations 110 provide additionalcoverage with respect to wireless coverage provided by the base station510-1.

FIG. 6 is an example diagram illustrating mounting of a wireless basestation to existing network infrastructure according to embodimentsherein.

As shown, the network infrastructure 105 can include mounting resource610 on which to mount base station 110-1. Mounting resource 610 can beany suitable resource. For example, mounting resource can be a wirebetween utility poles from which to mount the base station 110-1 toexisting network infrastructure 105.

Mounting brackets 650 secure the base station 110-1 to the mountingresource 610.

By way of a non-limiting example, in an aerial application, mountingresource 610 can be a bundle of resources including a steel cableextending between utility poles. A power supply resource in mountingresource 610 supplies input power 620-1 to base station 110-1. Data link620-2 connects the base station 110-1 to the existing networkinfrastructure 105. The data link can be a wireless or a wired link tothe pre-existing network infrastructure 105. Data link can supporttwo-way communications.

Base station 110-1 can include one or more RF transducers 660 in whichto provide respective wireless coverage 111-1.

As previously discussed, network infrastructure 105 can include manydifferent types of resources in which to mount base station 110. As analternative to mounting the base stations 110 on a cable resource, theone or more base stations can be mounted to other resources located on,near, or below the ground level.

FIG. 7 is an example diagram illustrating display of a networkinfrastructure map according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, network infrastructure 105 may already exist ingeographical region 220. Graphical user interface 145-3 displays anoverlay of existing network infrastructure 105 on a street map.Accordingly, the user 108 viewing display screen 130 can identify apresence a location of existing network infrastructure resources in ageographical region.

FIG. 8 is an example diagram illustrating display of networkinfrastructure map and a corresponding street map on a graphical userinterface according to embodiments herein. Symbols displayed in thegraphical user interface 145 represent corresponding objects located inthe geographical region.

As shown, the user 108 can zoom in or enlarge display a map of thenetwork infrastructure 105 (at an intersection of Main Street and OakStreet in FIG. 7) to view a location of additional resources located ina particular portion of geographical region 220. For example, in oneembodiment, the graphical user interface 145-4 displays more detailsassociated with network infrastructure 105 such as a physical locationof utility poles, aerial resources on which to potentially mount thebase stations 110, amplifiers, cables, fiber resources, taps, couplers,underground resource 805-1, etc. Accordingly, via the details displayedin graphical user interface 145-4, the user 108 can identify presenceand/or locations of the different types of resources in a geographicalregion.

FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating an overlay of a proposed siteplan with respect to resources in a network infrastructure map accordingto embodiments herein.

As shown, the installation manager 140 displays installation guide 950-1on graphical user interface 145-5. Installation guide 950 includes anoverlay of a map of existing resources in network infrastructure 105onto the proposed site plan 250-1 (or vise versa) for simultaneousviewing of both the network infrastructure 105 and the proposed siteplan 250-1.

In one embodiment, the map of the network infrastructure 105 displayedon graphical user interface 145-5 indicates a location of andavailability of network resources in which to mount the one or morewireless base stations 110.

Via settings selected by the user 108, the graphical user interface145-5 can be controlled to display of wireless coverage provided bymultiple different entities. For example, a first service provider canprovide wireless coverage (e.g., wireless coverage 111-12) from one ormore long-range base stations; as mentioned, additional base stations(e.g., short-range base stations, pico-base stations, WiFi basestations, etc.) can be added to a geographical region to provideadditional coverage.

FIG. 10 is an example diagram illustrating a graphical user interfaceaccording to embodiments herein.

As shown, the user 108 can zoom in or enlarge display of theinstallation guide 950-1 (e.g., simultaneous display of the site plane250-1 and map of the network infrastructure 105) on graphical userinterface 145-6. Graphical user interface 145-6 displays: i) a proposedlocation (e.g., near utility pole 1020) to install wireless base station110-1 in a corresponding geographical region, and ii) a prediction ofwireless coverage (e.g., wireless coverage 111-1) provided by thewireless base station 110-1 if installed in the proposed location. Thelocation of a symbol representing base station 110-1 indicates theproposed location in which to install the base station 110-1.Accordingly, the installation specialist viewing display screen 130 isapprised of at least an approximate location or acceptable areas inwhich to install a wireless base station in a geographical region.

While in the field, the installation specialist can perform anin-person, physical survey of the geographical region (e.g.,intersection of Main St. and Oak St.) to determine whether the proposedlocation or areas are suitable for installation of the wireless basestation 110-1.

The installation of the wireless base station 110-1 at the proposedlocation near utility pole 102 may be impracticable due to, for example,an RF-blocking or RF-interfering obstacle in a vicinity of the proposedlocation.

Assume, in this example, during installation, that the installationspecialist identifies an obstacle such as an object in a vicinity ofMain St. and Oak St. that would inhibit the wireless base station 110-1from providing the predicted wireless coverage 111-1 if installed at theproposed location. In other words, because of an unexpected object suchas a large tree, hill, etc., near utility pole 1020, assume that theinstallation technician in the field identifies that installation of thewireless base station 110-1 at the proposed location near utility pole1020 will not provide the desired or expected wireless coverage 111-1 asspecified by the installation guide 950-1.

During the installation, the installation specialist can provide inputto the installation manager 140 regarding a respective survey. The inputcan be feedback from the installation technician viewing the displayscreen and performing the in-person survey of the proposed location.

In one embodiment, accurate wireless coverage prediction iscomputationally intensive. A server in network 190 produces theprediction based on field data submitted by the client. The clientsimply displays the result produced by the server.

To avoid one or more identified obstacles, impediments, etc., theinstallation specialist (or other suitable resource) can proposeinstalling the wireless base station 110-1 at an alternative location inthe geographical region rather than at the originally proposed locationas specified by the installation guide 950-1.

In accordance with further embodiments, the installation manager 140executed on the computer system 150 receives input proposinginstallation of the wireless base station 110-1 at the alternativelocation. By way of a non-limiting example, the input can be draggingand dropping of a symbol representing the base station 110-1 to thealternative location. For example, in one embodiment, the installationspecialist can mark a location on the display screen 130 or graphicaluser interface 145-6 indicating the proposed alternative location inwhich to potentially install the wireless base station 110-1 to avoidthe detected impediment. Assume in this example that the installationspecialist proposes to install the base station 110-1 near utility pole1021 instead of near utility pole 1020 to avoid the identifiedobstruction in the field.

In response to receiving the input (e.g., the user 108 specifying thealternative location in graphical user interface 145-6 near utility pole1021 in which to install the base station 110-1), the installationmanager 140 initiates execution of a respective algorithm to determinewhether the alternative site proposed by the installation specialist isacceptable. For example, the installation manager 140 can perform avalidation check to determine whether the base station 110-1 can beinstalled at the proposed alternative location near utility pole 1021.Execution of validation check algorithm can be performed locally in thecomputer system 150, remotely via processing resources in network 190,and/or a combination of both.

Validation can include: performing appropriate calculations to determinewhether installation of the base station 110-1 at the alternativelocation will provide appropriate wireless coverage to specific targetlocations such as building 975-1 and building 975-2; identifying whetherappropriate network infrastructure resources (e.g., data throughputcapability, power capability, etc.) are present or available for use atthe proposed alternative location to support the base station 110-1,etc.

The graphical user interface 145 can provide a visual indication of aportion of the geographical region having no wireless coverage by anybase station as a result of installing the wireless base station 110-1at the alternative location instead of the originally proposed location.Accordingly, the installation specialist can identify whether arespective wireless network (including a set of multiple base stations)will be able to provide wireless coverage to a particular coordinate ofinterest such as a tagged or marked building, household, etc., in thegeographical region. Instead of installing a single base station, theinstallation specialist can install one or more additional base stationsto provide coverage in an area if installation at the alternativelocation does not provide appropriate coverage in the geographicalregion.

In one embodiment, the installation manager 140 updates the graphicaluser interface 145-6 on the display screen 130 to display the basestation 110-1 in the alternative location. The updated site plan in theinstallation guide 950-1 can specify: i) the alternative location in thegeographical region, and ii) based on the validation check, a predictionof wireless coverage provided by the wireless base station in thealternative location. Accordingly, based on guidance provided by thegraphical user interface 145-6, an installation specialist in the fieldcan easily determine whether an alternative location (as provided by ainstallation specialist or other resource) is suitable for installationof the wireless base station 110-1.

The graphical user interface 145-6 can be further configured to initiatedisplay of a visual indication on the display screen to indicate whetherthe alternative location in the network infrastructure is a valid optionto operate the wireless base station. By way of a non-limiting example,the visual indication can be a text message indicating that thealternative location, as proposed by the installation specialist in thefield, is a valid location in which to install the wireless base station110-1.

It is possible that the installation of the wireless base station 110-1when installed at the alternative location near utility pole 1021 willnot provide the same wireless coverage as the originally predictedwireless coverage 111-1. In such an instance, via the installationmanager application, the updated display screen 130 can indicate thedifference in coverage between coverage provided by installation of thewireless base station at the originally proposed location andinstallation of the wireless base station at the alternative location.Accordingly, the installation specialist can identify a difference inthe wireless coverage depending on where the base station is installed.

The installation specialist (i.e., user 108) can view the display screen130 to identify one or more null regions in which neither the wirelessbase station at the alternative location nor do any other resources inthe network provide wireless coverage as anticipated by installing thewireless base station at the originally proposed location.

Note further that the installation manager 140 can be configured toprovide a visual indication of one or more resources (such as a house,building, etc.) in the vicinity of the proposed location that must haveaccess to the RF service provided by the newly installed base station110-1. For example, households 975-1 and 975-2 can be bolded on thedisplay screen 130 to indicate that the base station 110-1 must providewireless coverage to households 975-1 and 975-2. Accordingly, theinstallation specialist (i.e., user 108) can determine a most suitablealternative location for installing the base station 110-1, assumingthat installation of the base station in the originally proposedlocation is impracticable.

Alternatively, or in addition to the above embodiment of markingspecific locations such as households 975-1 and 975-2, to view adifference in coverage between the coverage expected by installing thewireless base station 110-1 at the proposed location and the alternativelocation, embodiments herein can include initiating simultaneous displayof the prediction of wireless coverage provided by the wireless basestation 110-1 in the alternative location with respect to the predictionof wireless coverage provided by the wireless base station 110-1 in theoriginally proposed location. Accordingly, the user 108 can easilyidentify whether installation of the wireless base station 110-1 in thealternative location would be an acceptable solution to avoiding orovercoming the obstacle 1130 and providing appropriate wirelesscoverage. FIG. 11 is an example diagram illustrating a proposed locationin which to mount a wireless base station to an existing networkinfrastructure according to embodiments herein.

In one embodiment, the computer system 150 and installation manager 140support a robust coverage prediction capability compatible for basestation deployments. Wireless coverage patterns resulting from mountingof short-range wireless base stations to assets, such as strand wires,vaults, etc., may behave differently than conventional long-rangecellular coverage patterns.

Selection of an alternative site in which to install the base stations110 can be automated. For example, as discussed below, the user 108 caninput parameter such as a location, height, width, density, etc.,associated with one or more objects or impediments that are identifiedin the field during installation. In other words, the user 108 can inputinformation collected during a survey of a particular site. Theinformation inputted by the user 108 to the installation manager 140 caninclude: information describing the terrain, land use and land cover,site specific information such as asset type and height to which thebase station will be mounted, the type of wireless technology beingdeployed at the base station, RF frequency at which base stationoperates, vendor implementation specific information, location ofpotentially interfering objects, etc.

The installation manager 140 can be configured to automatically performan analysis to identify one or more suitable alternative locations inwhich to install the base station 110-1 based on knowing factors such asresources available in network infrastructure 105, a location of the oneor more impediments in the immediate location, a level of performance tobe provided by the base station 110-1, power consumption of the basestation 110-1, targets such as household 975-1, 975-2 to be covered bythe base station, etc.

More specifically, as an example, via input from a source such as theinstallation specialist (i.e., user 108), the installation manager 140can be apprised of location information indicating a location of atleast one obstacle in a vicinity of the originally proposed locationnear utility pole 1020. For example, the technician installing thewireless base station 110-1 can provide the information about theobstacle 1130 based on an in-person survey of the proposed location. Theobstacle 1130 can be one or more objects such as trees, buildings, etc.,that unexpectedly blocks an RF signal produced by base station 110-1.The obstacle 1130 may also block RF signals transmitted from devices tothe base station 110-1. Accordingly, the base station 110-1 may notreceive transmitted RF signals due interference. In one embodiment, theinstallation specialist inputs details associated with the obstacle tothe installation manager 140.

As discussed above, the installation manager 140 can be configured toperform suitable calculations to independently determine, while takinginto account the one or more obstacles 1130 identified by theinstallation specialist, one or more alternative locations in which toinstall the base station 110-1 in the geographical region. The graphicaluser interface 145-7 can be configured to display a symbol representingthe obstacle 1130 as specified by the user 108. Accordingly, theinstallation manager 140 is apprised of the location of the obstacle1130.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, after identifying one or morealternative locations in which to install the base station 110-1, theinstallation manager 140 updates the graphical user interface 145-8 todisplay the proposed alternative location or acceptable region in whichto mount the wireless base station 110-1 to existing networkinfrastructure in the nearby region. Accordingly, the installationspecialist can be apprised of one or more suitable alternative locationsin which to install the base station to avoid any obstacles.

In one embodiment, the user 108 applies a command to the base station110-1 displayed near utility pole 1021 to notify the installationmanager 140 to perform an analysis and identify one or more alternativelocation in which to install the base station 110-1. Thus, in oneembodiment, the installation manager 140 receives a command applied tobase station 110-1 displayed in the graphical user interface 145. Asmentioned, the command can indicate that the user 108 would like toperform an appropriate analysis to identify the one or more alternativelocations in which to mount the wireless base station based on theinstallation manager 140 knowing the location and attributes of obstacle1130.

In response to receiving the command to identify one or more alternativelocations in which to install the base station 110-1, the installationmanager 140 identifies resources associated with network infrastructure105 that will be needed to operate the wireless base station 110-1according to a predetermined performance level. For example, thewireless base station 110-1 may be required to support a certain databandwidth, the wireless base station may consume a certain amount ofpower, etc.

In one embodiment, the installation manager 140 has access to networkinfrastructure resource information indicating the ability of differentlocations of the network infrastructure 105 to provide data bandwidth,power availability, etc. The installation manager 140 processes thenetwork infrastructure resource availability information to identifyalternative locations of the network infrastructure in a vicinity of theproposed location that have an ability to support the wireless basestation in accordance with the required resources. Subsequent toidentifying one or more appropriate alternative locations, theinstallation manager 140 then updates the graphical user interface 145to provide a visual indication specifying multiple acceptablealternative locations of the network infrastructure having the abilityto support wireless base station 110-1.

As mentioned, the installation manager 140 can receive locationinformation indicating a location of at least one obstacle in a vicinityof the proposed location. The installation manager 140 can identify andthen subsequently display multiple acceptable alternative locations inwhich to install the wireless base station on the display screen 130.The user 108 can select a location amongst the possible acceptablelocations to notify the installation manager 140 where the base station140 has been mounted.

FIG. 13 is an example diagram illustrating display of acceptablealternative locations in which to mount a wireless base station to anexisting network infrastructure according to embodiments herein.

By further way of a non-limiting example, the visual indication 1310 ofalternative locations to which the wireless base station 110-1 can bemounted can represent a continuum of a physical cable resource of thenetwork infrastructure 105 displayed in the graphical user interface145-9. In such an embodiment, the installation specialist canselectively mount the wireless base station to any point on thecontinuum.

In one embodiment, the continuum of the physical cable resource (e.g., abundle including a steel strand, coaxial cable, and power supplyresources) can include a communication link on which to convey data toand from the wireless base station. A power supply resource in thecontinuum of the physical cable resource can be tapped to provide powerto the wireless base station when so mounted.

As mentioned, the installation manager 140 can be a tool that aids intracking progress associated with a respective installation of multiplebase stations. In one embodiment, subsequent to installation of a basestation at a respective site, the user 108 can input relevantinstallation management information such as a location in which the basestation 110-1 is installed, etc.

Also, as mentioned above, the installation manager 140 can be a tool tokeep track of field survey information relevant to a proposed site planand/or a representation of network infrastructure 105 displayed on thedisplay screen 130. The field survey information inputted to and trackedby the installation manager 140 can include information such asobstacles (and corresponding attributes) that were discovered in thefield during installation.

In accordance with further embodiments, based on one or more identifiedobstacles 1130 in a region, the installation manager application 140(based on local processing or via computing in a cloud) generates arealistic wireless coverage 111-1 pattern for the base station 110-1,taking into account presence of the one or more identified obstacle(s)1130 or objects in a vicinity of the proposed location of the newwireless base station 110-1.

For example, a user can input (via the graphical user interface 145-9)details (e.g., location, height, object, land terrain, etc.) of one ormore obstacles 1130 as identified in the field. Based on the proposedlocation of installing the wireless base station 110-1, a processingresource associated with the installation manager 140 computes thetheoretical coverage of the respective wireless base station 110-1. Thetheoretical coverage takes into account the proposed location forinstalling the base station 110-1 as well as the identified obstacles1130 and how the obstacles 1130 may affect the wireless coverageprovided by the wireless base station 110-1. The theoretical coverage111-1 in graphical user interface 145-9 takes into account theidentified obstacle(s) 1130 and thus is different than the originallyanticipated coverage 111-1 as shown in graphical user interface 145-5.

In other words, in one embodiment, the graphical user interface 145-9displays the computed wireless coverage 111-1 of the base station 110-1taking into account blockage, interference, reflections, etc., that aretheoretically caused by the newly discovered environmental conditions.The installation manager 140 initiates display of the computed newcoverage on the base station 110-1 so that the user 108 need not guessin the field as to what affect or impact the one or more obstacles,terrain, environmental conditions, etc., will have on RF coverage 111-1provided by the base station 110-1. Accordingly, the installationmanager 140 can be configured to produce and display an accurateprediction of wireless coverage 111-1 with respect to a representationof the network infrastructure 105/base station 110-1 displayed on thedisplay screen 130.

In accordance with yet further embodiments, the user 108 can move asymbol representing the base station 110-1 with respect to the networkinfrastructure on the display screen 130 to different locations toidentify the coverage 111-1 provided by the base station 110-1 at thedifferent locations. For example, as the user 108 moves (such as viadragging) the symbol representing the base station 110-1 on thegraphical user interface 145-9, the installation manager 140 updates thewireless coverage 111-1 provided by the base station 110-1, taking intoaccount affects of the obstacle 1130. Accordingly, the user 108 canquickly identify whether installation of the wireless base station 110-1at each of multiple different newly proposed locations providesacceptable coverage in a region.

Certain highlighted targets or regions on the display screen 130 mayneed to be provided coverage by the new base station 110-1. By way of anon-limiting example, constantly updating the wireless coverage 111-1 asprovided by the base station 110-1 in the graphical user interface 145-9(depending on the obstacle 1130 and location of the wireless basestation 110-1) ensures that the user 108 is apprised of whether thehighlighted targets or regions needing the coverage can theoreticallyreceive communications from the base station 110-1 if the base stationis installed at a respective location.

FIG. 14 is an example block diagram of a computer system 150 forimplementing any of the operations according to embodiments herein.

As shown, computer system 150 of the present example can include aninterconnect 811 that couples computer readable storage media 812 suchas a non-transitory type of media (i.e., any type of hardware storagemedium) in which digital information can be stored and retrieved, aprocessor 813, I/O interface 814, and a communications interface 817.

I/O interface 814 provides connectivity to a repository 180 and, ifpresent, other devices such as display screen, keypad, a computer mouse,etc.

Computer readable storage medium 812 can be any non-transitory storagedevice such as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy disk, etc. Inone embodiment, the computer readable storage medium 812 storesinstructions and/or data.

Communications interface 817 enables the computer system 800 andprocessor 813 to communicate over a resource such as network 190 toretrieve information from remote sources and communicate with othercomputers. Depending on the embodiment, any or all of the functionalityassociated with the installation manager 140 can be performed locally byprocessor 813, or via resources in network 190, or a combination ofboth.

I/O interface 814 enables processor 813 to retrieve or attempt retrievalof stored information from repository 180.

As shown, computer readable storage media 812 is encoded withinstallation manager application 140-1 (e.g., software, firmware, etc.)executed by processor 813. Installation manager application 140-1 can beconfigured to include instructions to implement any of the operationsassociated with installation manager application 140 as previouslydiscussed.

During operation of one embodiment, processor 813 accesses computerreadable storage media 812 via the use of interconnect 811 in order tolaunch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions ininstallation manager application 140-1 stored on computer readablestorage medium 812.

Execution of the installation manager application 140-1 producesprocessing functionality such as installation manager process 140-2 inprocessor 813. In other words, the installation manager process 140-2associated with processor 813 represents one or more aspects ofexecuting installation manager application 140-1 within or upon theprocessor 813 in the computer system 150.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system 150can include other processes and/or software and hardware components,such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardwareresources to execute installation manager application 140-1.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system maybe any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, apersonal computer system, a wireless device, base station, phone device,desktop computer, laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computersystem, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, applicationserver, storage device, a consumer electronics device such as a camera,camcorder, set top box, mobile device, video game console, handheldvideo game device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router,or in general any type of computing or electronic device. The computersystem 150 may reside or be moved to any location in network environment100.

Functionality supported by the installation manager application 140-1will now be discussed via flowcharts in FIGS. 15-17. Note that the stepsin the flowcharts below can be executed in any suitable order.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart 1500 illustrating an example method according toembodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In step 1510, the installation manager 140 initiates display of aproposed site plan on a display screen 130, the proposed site planspecifies: i) a proposed location to install a wireless base station110-1 in a geographical region 220, and ii) a prediction of wirelesscoverage 111-1 provided by the wireless base station 110-1 in theproposed location.

In step 1520, during installation of the wireless base station 110-1 bythe installation specialist, the installation manager 140 receives inputproposing installation of the wireless base station 110-1 in analternative location with respect to the proposed location.

In step 1530, in response to receiving the input, the installationmanager 140 updates the proposed site plan on the display screen 130,the updated proposed site plan specifying: i) the alternative locationin the geographical region 220, and ii) a prediction of wirelesscoverage provided by the wireless base station 110-1 in the alternativelocation.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart 1600 illustrating an example method according toembodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In step 1610, the installation manager 140 initiates display of a map ofnetwork infrastructure 105 on a display screen 130.

In step 1620, on the display screen 130, the installation manager 140overlays a display of a proposed wireless network site plan 250-1 on thenetwork infrastructure map, the proposed wireless network site planspecifying a proposed location in which to install a wireless basestation 110-1.

In step 1630, the installation manager 140 provides an indication of alocation of at least one resource in the network infrastructure 105 inwhich to mount the wireless base station to provide a desired wirelesscoverage.

In step 1640, the installation manager 140 receives input proposinginstallation of the wireless base station 110-1 at an alternativelocation with respect to the proposed location.

In step 1650, the installation manager 140 updates a deployment statusof the proposed site plan on the display screen 130 to indicateinstallation of the wireless base station at the alternative location.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart 1700 illustrating an example method according toembodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In step 1710, the installation manager 140 initiates display of aproposed site plan on a display screen 130, the proposed site planspecifying a proposed location to install a wireless base station 110-1in a geographical region 220.

In step 1720, during physical installation of the wireless base station110-1 in the geographical region 220, the installation manager 140receives input applied to the proposed site plan of the display screen130. The input indicates a presence and location of at least oneobstacle in the geographical region 220 in a vicinity of the proposedlocation.

In step 1730, in response to receiving the input, the installationmanager 140 identifies an alternative location in which to install thewireless base station 110-1.

In step 1740, the installation manager 140 updates the proposed siteplan on the display screen 130, the updated proposed site planspecifying: i) the alternative location in the geographical region 220,and ii) a prediction of wireless coverage provided by the wireless basestation 110-1 in the alternative location.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited for use duringinstallation of resources in wireless network environment. However, itshould be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in suchapplications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suitedfor other applications as well.

Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific detailshave been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimedsubject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., thatwould be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described indetail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of thedetailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms orsymbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digitalsignals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computermemory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examplesof techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processingarts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be aself-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading toa desired result. In this context, operations or processing involvephysical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although notnecessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared orotherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. Itshould be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms areto be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merelyconvenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparentfrom the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout thisspecification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actionsor processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similarelectronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms datarepresented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities withinmemories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmissiondevices, or display devices of the computing platform.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims. Such variations areintended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Assuch, the foregoing description of embodiments of the presentapplication is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations tothe invention are presented in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising: initiating display of a rendition of apre-existing network infrastructure on a display screen; on the displayscreen, overlaying a display of a proposed wireless network site plan onthe rendition of the pre-existing network infrastructure, the overlaidproposed wireless network site plan specifying a proposed location inthe pre-existing network infrastructure in which to install a newwireless base station, the rendition of the pre-existing networkinfrastructure including a display of physical resources in thepre-existing network infrastructure to communicatively couple the newwireless base station to a remote network; and on the display screen,providing an indication of the proposed location with respect to thephysical resources in the pre-existing network infrastructure in whichto communicatively couple the new wireless base station to the remotenetwork and provide a desired wireless coverage to a consumer residingin a vicinity of the proposed location.
 2. The method as in claim 1further comprising: from a person installing the new wireless basestation, receiving input proposing installation of the new wireless basestation at an alternative location with respect to the proposedlocation; and updating a deployment status of the proposed wirelessnetwork site plan on the display screen to indicate proposedinstallation of the new wireless base station at the alternativelocation instead of the proposed location.
 3. The method as in claim 1further comprising: receiving input from an installation technicianinstalling the new wireless base station, the input indicating apresence and location of an RF-blocking obstacle with respect to theproposed location, the installation technician detecting presence of theRF-blocking obstacle during installation of the new wireless basestation; and providing an indication of alternative locations of thenetwork infrastructure with respect to the proposed location of thepre-existing network infrastructure in which to mount the new wirelessbase station to couple the new wireless base station to the remotenetwork and provide the desired wireless coverage to the consumer. 4.The method as in claim 3, further comprising: in response to receivingthe input from the installation technician installing the new wirelessbase station, updating the display screen to include display of a symbolrepresenting the RF-blocking obstacle with respect to the pre-existingnetwork infrastructure.
 5. The method as in claim 4 further comprising:displaying the indication of alternative locations of the pre-existingnetwork infrastructure as a continuum on which the installationtechnician selectively installs the new wireless base station.
 6. Themethod as in claim 1, wherein the indication visually indicates alocation of a physical cable resource in the pre-existing networkinfrastructure on which to selectively attach the new wireless basestation, the physical cable resource including a communication link anda power source, the communication link supporting communications to andfrom the new wireless base station, the power source supportingtransmission of power to the new wireless base station.
 7. The method asin claim 1 further comprising: on the display screen, displaying thephysical resources to include a continuum in the pre-existing networkinfrastructure, the continuum indicating a series of locations in whichto potentially install the new wireless base station.
 8. The method asin claim 1 further comprising: identifying power and communicationresources required to operate the new wireless base station; identifyingalternative locations of the physical resources in the pre-existingnetwork infrastructure in a vicinity of the proposed location that havean ability to support the new wireless base station as specified by theidentified power in communication resources; and modifying the displayscreen to include display of a visual indication specifying thealternative locations of the pre-existing network infrastructure havingthe ability to support the new wireless base station.
 9. The method asin claim 1 further comprising: receiving input from an installationtechnician, the input indicating that installation of the new wirelessbase station at the proposed location is impracticable; identifyingoperational parameters needed to operate the new wireless base station;and based on the operational parameters, performing an analysis todetermine whether an alternative location with respect to the proposedlocation in the pre-existing network infrastructure has the ability tosupport operation of the new wireless base station in accordance withthe operational parameters.
 10. The method as in claim 1 furthercomprising: on the display screen, initiating simultaneous display ofthe proposed wireless network site plan and a prediction of wirelesscoverage provided by the new wireless base station at the proposedlocation.
 11. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: providingnotification of a specific target location in a vicinity of the proposedlocation to which the new wireless base station must provide wirelesscoverage.
 12. The method as in claim 11 further comprising: initiatingdisplay of a visual indication on the display screen to indicate whetheran alternative location in the pre-existing network infrastructure withrespect to the proposed location is able to support operation of the newwireless base station.
 13. The method as in claim 1, wherein thephysical resources represents a co-located combination of a physicalcommunication link and a power resource, the physical communication linkavailable to communicatively couple the new wireless base station to theremote network, the power resource available to provide power to the newwireless base station.
 14. The method as in claim 13, wherein providingthe indication of the proposed location includes: providing a visualindication of a less-than-all portion of the physical resources of thepre-existing network infrastructure, the less-than-all portion of thephysical resources representing candidate locations in which to installthe new wireless base station.
 15. The method as in claim 14, whereinthe less-than-all portion of the physical resources representing thecandidate locations is a continuum of the co-located combination of thephysical communication link and the power resource.
 16. The method as inclaim 15, wherein the physical communication link in the pre-existingnetwork infrastructure is shared by multiple independent subscribers,each of which has access to the remote network through the physicalcommunication link.
 17. The method as in claim 15 further comprising: onthe display screen, initiating display of streets in relation to thephysical resources displayed in the rendition of the pre-existingnetwork infrastructure, the displayed streets being a map of ageographical region in which an installation technician installs the newwireless base station.
 18. The method as in claim 17, wherein thephysical resources displayed in the rendition of the pre-existingnetwork infrastructure include a set of symbols representing utilitypoles and a strand representing the physical communication link, aplacement of the symbols indicating locations of the utility poles inthe geographical region, a placement of the strand indicating a locationof the physical communication link in the geographical region.
 19. Amethod comprising: displaying a site plan on a display screen, the siteplan indicating a proposed location in which to newly install a wirelessbase station; identifying alternative locations of a pre-existingnetwork infrastructure in a vicinity of the proposed location, thealternative locations having an ability to support operation of thewireless base station and provide a desired wireless coverage, thepre-existing network infrastructure including physical resources tocommunicatively couple the wireless base station to a remote network;and modifying the site plan to include a visual indication specifyingthe alternative locations of the pre-existing network infrastructurehaving the ability to support the wireless base station.
 20. The methodas in claim 19, further comprising: displaying the visual indication asa continuum, the continuum representing a length of an aerial strand onwhich is acceptable to mount the wireless base station.
 21. The methodas in claim 19 further comprising: displaying a rendition of thepre-existing network infrastructure to include a first resourcerepresenting a communication link disposed in a vicinity of the visualindication; displaying the rendition of the pre-existing networkinfrastructure to include a second resource representing an aerialstrand on which to mount the wireless base station; and displaying therendition of the visual indication as a continuum, the continuumrepresenting a region of the second resource acceptable for mounting thewireless base station.
 22. The method as in claim 19 further comprising:identifying the alternative locations in response to receiving inputfrom an installation technician, the input indicating that installationof the wireless base station at the proposed location is impracticable.23. The method as in claim 19, wherein identifying the alternativelocations includes identifying a location of available resources in thepre-existing network infrastructure required to operate the wirelessbase station.
 24. A system comprising: computer processor hardware; anda hardware storage resource coupled to the computer processor hardware,the hardware storage resource storing instructions that, when executedby the computer processor hardware, cause the computer processorhardware to perform the operations of: initiating display of a renditionof a pre-existing network infrastructure on a display screen; on thedisplay screen, overlaying a display of a proposed wireless network siteplan on the rendition of the pre-existing network infrastructure, theoverlaid proposed wireless network site plan specifying a proposedlocation in which to install a wireless base station, the rendition ofthe pre-existing network infrastructure including physical resourcesavailable to communicatively couple the wireless base station to aremote network; and providing an indication of a proposed location of atleast one resource in the pre-existing network infrastructure on whichto mount the wireless base station to provide a desired wirelesscoverage.
 25. The system as in claim 24, wherein the computer processorhardware further performs the operations of: from a person installingthe wireless base station, receiving input proposing installation of thewireless base station at an alternative location with respect to theproposed location; and updating a deployment status of the proposedwireless network site plan on the display screen to indicateinstallation of the wireless base station at the alternative location.26. The system as in claim 24, wherein the computer processor hardwarefurther performs the operations of: receiving input from an installationtechnician installing the wireless base station, the input indicating apresence and location of an RF-blocking obstacle with respect to theproposed location; and providing an indication of alternative locationsof the pre-existing network infrastructure with respect to the proposedlocation of the pre-existing network infrastructure in which to mountthe wireless base station to provide the desired wireless coverage.